2015-11-24
The Australian Greens have welcomed Malcolm Turnbull's departure from the divisive and aggressive language of Tony Abbott, calling on the new Prime Minister to match his words with his actions.
"I agree with the Prime Minister that as political leaders we must continue to champion multiculturalism and unite the community against this threat that feeds on division and fear," said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.
"The change of rhetoric is welcome but it's important that the decisions of the Prime Minister reflect his words.
"It's inconsistent for Malcolm Turnbull to say that a diplomatic and political solution is what's required in Syria, while continuing to boast that Australia's military commitment comes second only to the United States.
"A diplomatic solution means an end to the bombing of Syria, which is only making a bad problem worse.
"When it comes to our domestic response we have a responsibility to keep Australians safe and that should start by dumping the government's citizenship legislation.
"Instead of allowing people convicted of terrorism offences to roam free and continue their campaign of violence and hate on the world stage, the Greens believe that violent criminals should be behind bars.
"We can't make Australia safer by making other countries more dangerous, but that's exactly what the citizenship laws and our air strikes do. Malcolm Turnbull can put a stop it," Senator Di Natale said.